Can you talk about what it’s like to prepare to go against a player like Justin Jefferson?
Preparing to face a player like Justin Jefferson is a challenge that requires your full attention. He’s an elite receiver in every sense of the word. You have to account for him on every single play because if you don’t, he’ll make you pay. Jefferson has that rare ability to turn even the most routine plays into something spectacular. He’s not just a great route runner or a guy with good hands—he’s a playmaker. He can beat you deep, he can take a short pass and turn it into a big gain, and he’s got a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
The toughest part about facing him is that he’s so consistent. You can’t just focus on taking away one thing because he’ll find another way to hurt you. It’s not just about scheming against him—it’s about execution. If you’re even a half-step late in your alignment or your coverage, he’ll exploit it. It’s a real test for any defense, but it’s also an opportunity to prove what you’re capable of. When you go against a player of his caliber, you have to bring your best. That’s the standard he sets every time he steps on the field.
How has Taysom Hill’s experience in the league helped the team so far?
We were ecstatic when Taysom Hill decided to give us another year. His impact on this team goes far beyond what you see on the field. Last season, he was absolutely pivotal in getting us to the playoffs, and having a player like Taysom—a guy who can do it all—brings so much versatility and unpredictability to our offense. Sure, he’s listed as a fullback, but let’s be real: Taysom is a football player, period. He’s lined up at quarterback, halfback, tight end—you name it, he’s done it for us. That kind of flexibility is rare, and it keeps defenses guessing every time he’s on the field.
What’s just as important, though, is the influence he has in the locker room and the meeting rooms. Taysom’s knowledge of the game and his ability to understand multiple positions has really helped with the cohesion of our schemes. He’s not just out there making plays; he’s helping others elevate their game as well. We love getting the ball in his hands because, more often than not, something good happens. Whether it’s a short-yardage situation, a trick play, or even just running a route, Taysom gives us an edge. He’s one of those players who makes everyone around him better, and we’re lucky to have him leading the charge.
What were some of the contributing factors to the loss this week?
There were a few key factors that contributed to the loss this week, but it really came down to a combination of missteps on our part and a good team taking full advantage. They caught us in some bad alignments a few times, and that allowed them to capture momentum early. Once they got rolling, it became a lot harder to claw our way back into the game. When you’re facing a team like that, you can’t afford to make mistakes because they’ll capitalize on every single one. And that’s exactly what they did.
It wasn’t for lack of effort—our guys fought hard—but you can’t let a team like that dictate the flow of the game. We had some opportunities to turn things around, but when you’re not executing at a high level, those opportunities slip away quickly. At the end of the day, this loss is on us. We’ll review the film, address the issues, and make sure we’re better prepared for next week. This is a resilient group, and I know we’ll bounce back stronger.
